Knowledge Hub | OM Wellness Clinic Milton Keynes
Recovering well after cosmetic surgery is just as important as the procedure itself. While swelling, bruising and firmness are expected during healing, the right post-operative care can help support your recovery, improve comfort and encourage smoother results.
At OM Wellness Clinic Milton Keynes, we specialise in evidence-informed post-operative rehabilitation, combining Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), personalised fibrosis management, compression garment guidance and recovery advice tailored to your stage of healing.
We also supply high-quality Faja compression garments and, as part of our commitment to supporting recovery, every tummy tuck or liposuction patient receives a complimentary Ab Board when attending our post-operative treatment programme.
What Is Fibrosis After Cosmetic Surgery?
Fibrosis is a natural part of the body’s healing process.
After surgery, specialised cells called fibroblasts produce collagen to repair damaged tissues. As healing progresses, this collagen helps strengthen the surgical area.
Sometimes collagen production becomes excessive or disorganised, resulting in areas of firm or thickened tissue known as fibrosis.
Fibrosis may present as:
- Firm or hardened areas beneath the skin
- Tissue tightness
- Uneven texture
- Reduced tissue mobility
- Mild discomfort
- Contour irregularities
Early assessment and appropriate post-operative care can help support healthy tissue healing.
Why Does Fibrosis Develop?
Although fibrosis is a normal healing response, several factors may increase its severity, including:
- Extensive surgical procedures
- Persistent swelling
- Fluid accumulation (seroma)
- Delayed lymphatic drainage
- Smoking
- Poor nutrition
- Inadequate hydration
- Incorrect compression garments
- Limited movement during recovery
- Individual healing characteristics and genetics
While fibrosis cannot always be prevented, following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions and receiving appropriate post-operative support may reduce the risk of excessive scar tissue formation.
How Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Supports Recovery
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a gentle, specialised massage technique designed to encourage the movement of lymphatic fluid.
Following cosmetic surgery, temporary disruption of the lymphatic system contributes to swelling and fluid retention.
When introduced at the appropriate stage of recovery and with your surgeon’s approval, MLD may help:
- Reduce swelling
- Improve lymphatic circulation
- Support healthy tissue healing
- Improve comfort
- Reduce feelings of tightness
- Encourage tissue mobility
- Promote relaxation
At OM Wellness Clinic Milton Keynes, every treatment is individually adapted according to your surgery, healing stage and clinical assessment.
Why Compression Garments Are Essential After Cosmetic Surgery
Compression garments are one of the most important components of post-operative recovery.
When correctly fitted and worn according to your surgeon’s advice, they help provide consistent support to healing tissues.
Potential benefits include:
- Supporting healing tissues
- Helping control post-operative swelling
- Reducing fluid accumulation
- Improving patient comfort
- Supporting body contouring during recovery
- Helping garments remain evenly positioned during healing
A poorly fitting garment may create uneven pressure or discomfort, so professional fitting and guidance are important.
The Benefits of Faja Compression Garments
At OM Wellness Clinic Milton Keynes, we supply premium-quality Faja compression garments suitable for patients recovering from procedures such as:
- Liposuction
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
- Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
- Body contouring surgery
- Liposculpture
High-quality Faja garments are designed to provide medical-grade compression while remaining comfortable enough for extended daily wear.
Depending on your procedure and your surgeon’s recommendations, they may help:
- Provide consistent compression
- Improve comfort during recovery
- Support healing tissues
- Minimise garment movement
- Promote confidence during the recovery period
Our experienced therapists can advise you on selecting the most appropriate garment for your stage of recovery.
Why Is an Ab Board Important After Liposuction or a Tummy Tuck?
An Ab Board is a firm support panel commonly worn beneath a compression garment following abdominal liposuction or tummy tuck surgery.
It helps distribute compression more evenly across the abdomen while protecting delicate healing tissues.
When recommended by your surgeon, an Ab Board may:
- Improve the distribution of compression
- Help maintain a smoother abdominal contour
- Reduce pressure from garment folds
- Improve comfort while wearing compression garments
- Support healing during the early recovery period
Proper placement and correct garment fitting are essential for both comfort and effectiveness.
Complimentary Ab Board at OM Wellness Clinic Milton Keynes
To support your recovery, every patient attending OM Wellness Clinic Milton Keynes for post-operative treatment after abdominal liposuction or tummy tuck receives a complimentary Ab Board.
Our therapists will also demonstrate how to position it correctly alongside your compression garment for maximum comfort and support.
Additional Treatments That May Support Recovery
Every patient’s recovery is unique.
Depending on your assessment, your treatment programme may include:
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
To support lymphatic circulation and reduce swelling.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Introduced when clinically appropriate to encourage tissue mobility during later healing.
Scar Management
Professional scar assessment and advice once wounds have healed sufficiently.
Therapeutic Technologies
Where appropriate, evidence-informed therapies such as therapeutic ultrasound or Deep Oscillation® may be incorporated into your personalised treatment plan.
Recognising Early Signs of Fibrosis
Contact your therapist or surgeon if you notice:
- Persistent hard areas
- Tightness that is worsening
- New lumps beneath the skin
- Ongoing swelling
- Reduced tissue mobility
- Changes in skin contour
Early assessment allows treatment plans to be adapted according to your individual healing progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can fibrosis disappear naturally?
Many mild areas of fibrosis gradually soften as healing continues. Some patients benefit from professional assessment and treatment to support tissue mobility and comfort.
When should I start Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
The timing depends on your procedure and your surgeon’s advice. Many patients begin treatment during the first week after surgery once medically approved.
How many MLD sessions will I need?
Treatment plans vary according to the type of surgery, swelling, healing progress and individual response. Your therapist will recommend a personalised schedule following assessment.
Should I wear my compression garment all day?
Always follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding compression garments. Many surgeons recommend wearing them for most of the day during the early stages of recovery.
Do I need an Ab Board after surgery?
Not every patient requires an Ab Board. They are most commonly recommended following abdominal liposuction and tummy tuck surgery. Your surgeon or therapist can advise whether one is appropriate for you.
Why Choose OM Wellness Clinic Milton Keynes?
At OM Wellness Clinic, we believe that excellent surgical results deserve excellent aftercare.
Our experienced therapists provide:
- Specialist Manual Lymphatic Drainage
- Personalised fibrosis management
- Compression garment advice
- Premium Faja compression garments
- Complimentary Ab Boards for eligible post-operative patients
- Individual recovery plans based on clinical assessment
Every treatment is tailored to your body, your surgery and your stage of healing.
Book Your Post-Operative Recovery Consultation
Whether you’ve had cosmetic surgery in the UK or abroad, OM Wellness Clinic Milton Keynes is here to support your recovery.
Our personalised post-operative treatments are designed to reduce swelling, improve comfort and help you recover with confidence.
Contact us today to arrange your consultation and receive expert guidance throughout your healing journey.
References
- International Society of Lymphology. The Diagnosis and Treatment of Peripheral Lymphedema: 2023 Consensus Document.
https://journals.librarypublishing.arizona.edu/lymph/article/id/6372/ - American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Liposuction Recovery.
https://www.plasticsurgery.org - American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty).
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck - British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS).
https://www.bapras.org.uk